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A regular session of the of the political consultation mechanism between Armenia and Georgia was held on Tuesday (25 December) in Tbilisi led by the Deputy Foreign Ministers of the respective countries.

In an interview with Rossiya-24 TV station Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev spoke on economic development, relations with Russia and criticism of the country's human rights record, as well as the Karabakh issue.

Azerbaijan is an oil exporting country, and the mood of Baku often reflects the price of oil on the international markets. In that sense 2018 has been a year of mixed moods. For the moment however, it is time to celebrate and Baku is preparing for its usual big new year's eve celebration.

The Christmas tree is up in Tbilisi's Republic Square, and the festive season in Georgia has now officially started. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze was on hand, together with prime minister Mamuka Bakhtadze, to switch on the lights on Saturday evening (22 December).

Throughout the region, 2018 has been a significant year with important political and social developments. The putting up of the tree usually marks the end of the political year, and the start of a short break when focus is more on family, friends and merriment.